Back To The Future with Prius c?

The 2018 is out of the factory. I have not studied the features but it is a small car that whizzes along. The alloy wheels of the Four are seeming optional. There are a few added lines externally.

 

From what I've seen it's had a few updates in interior materials and options. Looks like new seats too. I have a 2012 so it's a whole different car to me but I imagine others with more recent models may not see it as being so drastic. I imagine the C may not get an upgraded powertrain for some time due to the low fuel prices. However, the most complaints I have with the car are more in materials than its performance

 

The Aqua is still selling fairly well in Japan, so I thought it would get a more dramatic redesign for 2018. I was a little surprised to see it received what I'll call a 2nd mid-cycle refresh (1st refresh coming in 2015 as expected). This may suggest Toyota is taking a wait-and-see approach to the Aqua/C. But I like the 2018 make-over.
I hope Toyota has made material and NVH improvements since that is where the C previously fell short. (I love my C, but always suggest multiple test drives so a potential buyer will understand its weaknesses.)

 

My dream is to wake up and find a Prius Prime C.

 

Toyota perhaps delayed the c to focus on moving other models to the new TNGA platform. I know the 2018 Camry must have consumed a lot of engineering resources. I assume assembly lines would need some modifications too since the Camry is larger than the Prius and has a larger drivetrain.

 

This seems like any easy upgrade considering the Aqua crossover trim is nearly identical to ours. It's an improvement I think over the fast and furious body kit the 17 had. Plus, I also feel like it's adopting its own look. This doesn't feel like a downsized Prius anymore. It looks like it's own model and that may be just what the C needed to really take off. It's hard to establish buyer loyalty when the car is viewed more as a trim than a standalone model.

Bonus for the C is that the 18 Yaris is probably a dud (and nearly as expensive) and the C-HR is pretty taste specific. So baby crossover styling for the win?

 

I imagine Toyota doesn't want to lose any loyal buyers by changing too much too fast. I agree, the update is great though I imagine our complete redesign may be waiting on the next Aqua. It's Japan's Tacoma. Loyal buyers that do not want the car to change (pure speculation but probably true). I imagine this may be the Hail Mary to see if the C still has what it takes to stay in the game. Honestly its sales are decent considering what it is though I imagine the Prius v may not make it to 2018.